Nil By Mouth Please (Karvol Decongestant Capsules)

Member Name: pearlydewdrop

Product:	Karvol Decongestant Capsules
Date:	29/04/08 (443 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very effective and potent inhalant decongestant, and measured in the correct amount for you.

Disadvantages: Be vigiliant when administering it-especially with inquisitive babies!

Karvol decongestant capsules are a useful remedy for those stubborn stuffy, blocked up noses that little ones seem to perpetually suffer from! They are equally helpful to adults upon the onset of a head cold, and by opening the nasal passages, can aid a good nights sleep. We all know that a peaceful nights rest can go a long way to assisting recovery, so anything that can achieve this is beneficial.

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~What is Karvol?~

Karvol, the product, consists of a range of decongestant inhalants that can help aid breathing during colds and viruses. This review concentrates on the capsules that are available, but there are also Karvol drops (like Olbas Oil), a Karvol Vapouriser, and Karvol rub on the market. The prefered product can therefore be chosen to suit the individuals needs. This product is made by the manufacturerers Crookes.

The active ingredients of Karvol include:

-Pine Oils
-Levomenthol with Chlorobutamol
-Terpineol
-Thymol

These ingredients, although mainly essential oils, are quite potent and should always be used according to the manufacturerers instructions. Some essential oils, if ingested, are very dangerous and can cause harm to infants and adults alike, so Karvol should only ever be used as an inhalant.


~What Conditions can it be Used For?~

Karvol is brilliant at clearing the nasal passages and can be used in the following illnesses:

-Common cold
-Sinusitis
-Bronchitis


~Who Can Use It?~

It can be used for infants upwards of 3 months. Consult your chemist with any queries.


~How do I Use It?~

In the case of Karvol capsules, the application is straightforward. The capsules come in a blister pack and are brown coloured. I would say that they are plastic-like, and opaque. The oils can be released by snipping the plastic open with scissors. The capsule is teardrop shaped and can be gently squeezed to release the oils. Just squirt the contents onto the neckline of your infants sleepsuit, or perhaps the head of its cot/pillow. I always used to put it on my daughters PJ top/sleepsuit so that if she turned over in the night she wouldnt lose the effects of the scent.

These decongestant capsules can also be squirted onto a hanky or even added to steamy water to liberate a pleasant, nasal clearing vapour. I wouldnt personally add them to bath water in young children as the oils may act as an irritant to their delicate skins.


~Are there Any Dangers with Karvol?~

Karvol is a very safe product to use, as it is merely an inhalant, and not an ingested medicine. However, I will warn you that it is possible to make an error when administering it onto clothing, which can require a trip to the GP or A and E.

I wouldnt wish to alarm anyone, but Karvol must NOT be put in the mouth. When my baby was 9 months old I was drying her in the lounge, after her bedtime bath, with her lying down on her towel. I snipped opened a Karvol capsule and applied the contents to her sleep suit. I then discarded the 'empty' capsule to the side of me. Before I knew it my daughter had got hold of the capsule and rubbed it around her mouth. She absolutely screamed the place down. It is very potent stuff and tastes bitter, so I was quite horrified.


I called NHS direct who advised me to go to hospital with her. Apparently an ingested Karvol capsule (a whole capsule, not just residue like with my child) can be pretty dangerous. I was told it can act as a convulsant, cause low blood pressure, and respiratory failure (if alot is taken by mouth). As it happened Amelia was fine, but I was extra careful when administering these capsules from that point onwards!

So, keep Karvol out of the reach of children, and make sure you know where you've discarded the used capsules. Also, never apply directly to a childs nostrils-its too strong.


Karvol is a great product, but be aware that even though its essential oils, it can still be quite strong.

Summary: A useful medicine cupboard addition.